On 12 October 2020, Enterprises University of Pretoria (Enterprises UP) in collaboration with Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr (CDH) launched an online course in the Promotion and Protection of Investment in Africa, presented by the Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria (UP).
This one of a kind virtual launch was an introductory session to a brainchild of 2018, which became a reality in 2020. The launch focused on outlining the objectives of the three-week online course and how the course aims to cultivate an understanding of contemporary legal and policy challenges for investments in Africa, including considerations of the investment climate in Africa post-Covid-19. The course also examines the impact of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Investment Protocol on intra-Africa investment.
The Dean of the Faculty of Law, Elsabe Schoeman and keynote speaker, Hon, Mr. Justice David Unterhalter, who delivered a keynote lecture, led the processions of the inaugural virtual session. Amidst a global health crisis, guest lecturers: Nawi Ukabiala, Ms Tafadzwa Pasipanodya, François Conradie, Ms. Ndanga Kamau, Dr. Mohamed Abdel Wahab, Mr. Jackwell Feris, Dr. Talkmore Chidede, Mr. Hussein Haeri, Mr. Henry Pannell, Mr. José Antonio Rivas, Mr. Paul-Jean Le Cannu, Ms. Pauline Mcharo, Adv. Leon Gerber, and Ms. Tafadzwa Pasipanodya, from various jurisdictions around the globe, were able to impart a great deal of knowledge and share their experiences to the delegates during the course. Their wealth of experience proved to be a fruitful experience for the participants from all over Africa including Tanzania, Egypt, Zambia and South Africa.
During the few weeks, delegates had an opportunity to explore a range of specialised topics, namely Investments in Africa, Investor-State Dispute Resolution, The Basic Features of Investment Instruments Promoting and Protecting Investment in Africa, during weekly lectures on Blackboard Collaborate, the online platform available for all virtual courses presented by Enterprises UP.
